Middletown transcript., 1887-04-14
Reported Jo,. ne MiddletoW,s Transcript.
PEACH BASKET TALK.

1PEACH BASKET TALK
/ THE SMYRNA MEETING.-THE FREE
BASKET QUESTION DISCUSSED IN
ALL ITS PHASES. PAPER BASKETS.
MIR. A. CUMMTNs MAKES A FUNNY
| SPEECH.
/ A meeting in the interest of peach grow.
ers convened in Town Hall, Smyrna, Sat
urday, April 9th. Mr.. Hoffecker in the
chair, and E. B. Taylor, Secretary. Speak
| ing limited TO ter minutes.
| Mr.. David Cumminssta that Boston
would defer action on free baskets for an
| other year, which gives Boston. Phila-
delphia and Baltimore as promisers to be
governed by the old rule,-returning
| baskets.
A paper basket manufactured in Chica-
go, was shown which had been offered in
| quantities at cents, but an advance was
| anticipated. Its durability was question
ed on account of moisture absorbing
properties.
Mr.. Alexander Cummins offered reso-
lutions that the Railroad Companies be
requested to reduce charges on baskets,
and if they refuse SO to do that the matter
be referred to the Interstate Commission.
Baskets must be returned, no matter how
cheap or of what material made. No
baskets to be given away.
Mr.. Naylor discussed the empty basket
question, and stated that the expense OF
peach raising was increasing, and the
giving of free baskets cannot be afforded !;
it is unjust to ask it. The demand will
fix the price, and if no empties be return
ed, baskets may cost much more than
nowl The speaker was eloquent and in
earnest. Mr.. Hudson was called tor, but
declined saying anything.
DIR. Ashcraft also declined, stating that
he was pill peddler.
Mr.. Alexander Cummins offered res
olutions to strive to bring buyers to Clay
ton and to operate with the peach ex-
change. Also to correspond with mer-
chants who will sell, and return empties.
The exchange at Clayton will be branch
Of the Wyoming Exchange. 1t was
thought best to defer consulting the Rail-
road authorities for the present.
Mr.. Cummins thought best to adopt
the 4-8 basket as they were used in New
York and by the growers in New Jersey.
At all events an understanding as to size
ofbasket should be had to enable their
manufacture.
Mr.. A. Cummins opposed the giving
away of baskets and bore down heavily
on the New York Commission men, for
wanting all they can get and certainly
more than they ought to have. He OPP
posed sending fruit to old commission
men, and was in favor Of fboyc ,tting them,
and to employ new men. He was oppos-
ed to sending anything to New York to
sell, so long as they act as they have and
propose to do.
Mr.. Money being present was called for
and stated in business way and few
words his visit to New York, and his in
terview with prominent commission men,
who are willing to sell at charges when
empties are not returned, that will be
SO much less than the present charges,
that when added to thu less charges of the
carriers, and the Railroad companies as to
make the whole savings to the shipper
about equal to the prices paid for the
baskets. The remarks of Mr.. Money had
their effect upon the meeting. Some pres
ent saw things differently, and backing
down of the commission men was claim
ed.
Mr.. A. Cummins gave an interesting
and laughable account OF the visiting COM
mittee's reception in Now York. His car
ricatures and relation of incidents were
inimical. He handled the New York
gentlemen without gloves, and it was
really pity they were not present to hear
the laughable statements made about
them, especially would the President,
Mr.. Edwards have enjoyed it.
The meeting was well attended, but
very little accomplished and it is very
probable that after all the free basket
question will right itself.
Sometime since it was stated that if a
full crop of peaches was grown, there
would not be baskets enough to ship them
in, and that dealer in Smyrna had refus- |
cd to furnish large lot for $50 per thous- |
and. At the meeting it was stated that |
baskets might advance to as much as
eighteen cents or more. These arguments |
are useless. Ifa very large crop, the in
ability to get the fruit to market will not |
be because baskets cannot be had, or will |
;he expense to the farmer be any greater |
with free baskets. Indeed, if the growers
Ill and each had only baskets enough to /
market three fourths of the varieties as
they mature, i. is question if as much
,ash, clear cash, would not 60 in his
pockets as ifhe had shipped all. It is
the inferior fruit and careless
manner of handling it and preparing it
or market that lowers the price, increases
he expenses and lessons the profits. If
are scarce and no return of emp
les expected, so much inferior fruit will
lot be shipped it will be used at home,
md the home using by evaporating, etc.,
8 where the successful grower saves his
money.
Farmers should meet and consult; they
hould hold the reins in their own hands,
or as a.body they are more heavily op-
pressed than any other body of men and
hey should be the reverse.
= Easter Sunday was observed by all
he churches and the congregations were
large. The beautiful spring
lay brought out the Inhabitants, and the
aides did not remain at home even if they
lid not have their spring bonnets.
Smyrna, Del. April IL. SIMON.
Death of William Dean.
William Dean died at 4.5O o'clock Tues
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